Two of the most common New Year’s resolutions I hear are, “I want to become healthier,” and “I want to be more fit.” You may have also heard them or even had them yourself. January starts off on the right track with trying to eat healthy, go to the gym, and lose weight; however, by the time February rolls around many people have already given up and no longer care about their fitness goals. This year will be different. I am going to help you make 2020 the year of your successful resolution.
STEP 1. SET A GOAL
Every successful New Year’s resolution starts with a goal. A good goal should be realistic and obtainable. The idea of losing 100 pounds in a month is a romantic one, but is not obtainable or realistic. Instead choose a goal of losing 50 pounds of the course of the year. The thought of losing 50 pounds in a year isn’t as entertaining as losing 100 in a month but by picking the obtainable goal we are increasing the likelihood of being successful.
STEP 2. BREAK IT DOWN
The thought of losing 50 pounds in a year can be daunting, but when you break the big goal down into smaller pieces to focus on the goal of losing 50 pounds becomes much easier to manage. With 53 weeks in the year 2020 if you lose just one pound per week you will be over your goal of 50 pounds for the year. Losing one pound in a week seems much easier than trying to lose 50 pounds.
STEP 3. HAVE A PLAN
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Over 200 years ago Benjamin Franklin gave us the secret to having a successful new year’s resolution and for getting fit. You must have a plan, and like your goal it must be one that is realistic and one you can stick to. Sure spending 2 hours in the gym every day will work; however, as parents, students, and working professionals life quickly gets in the way and before you know it going to the gym gets put on the back burner and before long you stop going all together. If you decide to spend just an hour in the gym a few days a week when it fits best into your busy schedule and go for a walk the days you can't make it to the gym then it will be an easier plan to follow. Group classes at Vehicle City CrossFit are just an hour long and you get a coach at every class and a workout written for you taking the guess work and uncertainties out of going to the gym. Like a goal and gym schedule, the best diet you can follow is the one you can stick with. To start out, I would recommend removing snacks and drinks that are high in sugar and replace them with healthier options like fruits and vegetables.
TIPS AND TRICKS
Over the years I have gathered many tips and tricks for fitness, and these are some of my favorites.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
There are a few good ways you can track your progress along the way. I do it three ways. First is an app called My Fitness Pal, its free to use and it’s a great way to track the food you are eating as well as your weight loss progress. Second, I keep a journal of all my gym workouts. It's fun and motivating to look back at old workouts and see how much progress you have made so far. Lastly, I take progress pictures. The day to day changes will be small and you might not notice them and begin to feel like you aren’t making any progress at all, but when you look at a picture of yourself from 6 months ago and one from the day before I guarantee you will see a difference.
GET YOUR FAMILY INVOLVED
My favorite trick to staying on track is to get family involved. My wife, little brother, and my mom and dad all go to the gym with me. When your family is on the fitness journey with you, going to the gym with you and going to the gym with you it makes it easier to stick to your diet and your gym schedule. It's also a great opportunity to spend family time together.
FIND SUPPORT
Lastly in order to stay focused on your goal and stick to your plan find a support ground. A group of like minded individual that have a similar goal to you that will help hold you accountable and encourage you along the way. One of my favorite things about Vehicle City CrossFit is its members. It’s a great little community filled with exceptional people that are quick to offer friendship, support, encouragement, and congratulations as you strive to achieve your New Years Resolution and fitness goals. Along with great people you also get a great certified coach that helps you along every step of the way, so you don’t have to wonder if you are doing things correctly or worry about getting injured in the gym.
CONCLUSION
Now that you have a good achievable goal, an executable plan, and the tips and tricks to have a successful New Years Resolution and fitness goals for 2020 the next thing to do and often the most difficult part is to start but you wont regret it. Make 2020 the year you achieve your Resolution and follow us on face book at VehicleCity Crossfit and on Instagram at Vehiclecitycrossfit for more fitness and nutrition tips.
